While Bridal Fashion Week is many things, it’s not—with all its lace, tulle, and flowers—romantic, per se. And so, when the Watters show came to an end, and a model came out for a final photograph, no one thought much of it. But then, a handsome man emerged from the crowd. For once, editors and buyers alike lowered their phones: this is something they typically hear and write about all the time, but, admittedly, barely ever witness IRL.
For Dallas native and model Nicole Kaspar, it was just another day on the job. The former D Weddings model, who is represented by Kim Dawson Agency, has worn many bridal gowns in her ten year career. She’s worked closely with Watters, and she and her boyfriend Chad Stapleton, who models on the side, even shot a campaign with them for their Wtoo line. “They used us because we’re a real couple in love,” says Nicole.
When she saw Chad at the end of the runway, Nicole was “completely in shock.” She walked toward him, and as they held hands, Chad said the following. “Nicole, I’ve wanted to do this for a long time, and I wanted the moment to be as special as you are to me. And I figured, what better way to do this than on a runway, doing what you love.” Then, he got down on one knee, and all the phones came out for what has to be one of the most romantic moments in Bridal Fashion Week history.
We caught up with Nicole to get the backstory on her and Chad’s romance.
How did you and Chad meet?
Chad and I met the summer of 2015 in Las Vegas after Electric Daisy Carnival. I had, unfortunately, cracked a tooth over the weekend, so our friends introduced us (Chad is a dentist, and he said he could look at it). Of course, I said no, because I did not want this gorgeous man looking into my mouth! I was living in Paris at the time, so when I came back to Texas that November, he took me on our first date. We had Thai food at midnight.
How did Chad come up with the proposal?
Chad came up with the idea when the designer of Watters, Xay Vongphachanh, approached Chad at a Kim Dawson model search party. She asked when Chad was going to propose, and then asked if he had ever considered doing it during a runway show. Chad was planning to ask on our two year anniversary, but loved Xay’s idea. I thank Xay and the Watters team for helping Chad mastermind such an amazing proposal and executing it flawlessly. I will never be able to repay their kindness…
What did you do to celebrate afterwards?
Both sets of our parents and my best friend flew in for the surprise, so afterwards Chad had the whole day planned with them. His parents had never visited Manhattan before, so we went to the top of the rock (to show my rock atop the rock, hehe) and then to Central Park. We topped off the day with a steak and seafood dinner at Hunt and Fish. Our friends were ready to celebrate and pop a few champagne bottles afterwards!
What is the story behind the Wtoo campaign?
The concept, created by Elias Guitierrez—the designer of Wtoo—was “Love at First Sight.” We all flew to San Miguel de Allende to shoot the campaign. It was centered around the first look. Some of the gowns had Shakespeare quotes embroidered right into the fabrics. It’s beautiful. I didn’t have any idea that this was all in preparation for such a huge surprise at the end!
Any plans for wedding?
I want the wedding to be something all our family and friends can attend, so it will be in Texas somewhere. I’m ready to begin the planning, and see where it takes us!
